Easy Strawberry Almond Salad with Homemade Sugared Nuts

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This strawberry almond salad brings a burst of fresh flavor to your table with crisp greens and juicy fruit. We have made this for our family for years because it uses real food ingredients that everyone enjoys.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Almond Salad

Budget Friendly. You can save money by making your own toppings rather than buying expensive pre-packaged glazed nuts or gourmet dressings.
Time Saver. The entire process takes about 25 minutes of prep, making it accessible even on a weeknight.
Family Tested. This recipe is a crowd pleaser that children and adults both enjoy because of the sweet and crunchy combination.
Kitchen Flexibility. You can easily swap the almonds for other pantry staples like walnuts or pecans depending on what you have on hand.
Better Ingredients Using pure maple syrup instead of processed sugar or pancake syrup provides a lower glycemic index and a richer flavor profile.

Ingredients for This Strawberry Salad

Strawberries Sliced strawberries provide a soft, juicy contrast to the crunch of the homemade caramelized almonds.
Mixed Greens These provide a crisp, earthy base for the sweeter toppings.
Mandarin Oranges These add a juicy, citrus pop that complements the berries.
Slivered Almonds They have more surface area than whole almonds, which allows the sugar to coat them evenly.
Pure Maple Syrup This offers a rich depth of flavor and acts as a natural sweetener in the dressing.

Making the Strawberry Summer Salad

Caramelize the Nuts. Place sugar and slivered almonds in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently. Around the three-minute mark, the sugar will turn into an amber liquid.
Coat and Cool. Continue stirring until the almonds are fully coated in the melted sugar. Pour the mixture onto parchment paper immediately. Spread it thin so it cools into a brittle layer.
Prepare the Vinaigrette. Combine olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake vigorously until the oil and vinegar no longer look separated.
Assemble. Place your greens, sliced strawberries, and drained oranges in a large bowl. Break the cooled almond brittle into small clusters and scatter them over the top.
Finish. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently just before serving.

Be Careful Caramelizing the Nuts!

Extreme Heat Melted sugar reaches incredibly high temperatures and can cause severe burns if it touches your skin.
Avoid Fingers Never try to taste the sugar or touch the almonds while they are still in the pan or freshly poured onto the paper.
Constant Motion You must stir the mixture often to prevent the sugar from burning, which happens very quickly once it reaches the liquid stage.
Ventilation If the sugar begins to smoke, it is burning. Turn off the heat and move the pan to a cool burner immediately.
Parchment Paper Only Do not pour the hot mixture directly onto a countertop or a plastic surface, as the heat will cause damage or melting.

Pure Maple Syrup is Not Pancake Syrup.

Pancake syrup will not work in this recipe. Please be sure to read the label when purchasing. Pure maple syrup has a lower glycemic index than sugar. The ratio for sugar and pure maple syrup is 1:1.

Serving suggestions with your sweet and tangy salad

The strawberry almond salad goes well with my cheeseburger enchiladas. A great contrast of savory and sweetness!

For a cool and refreshing salad try my watermelon and cucumber salad. The saltiness of the feta contrasts ideally with the sweetness of the watermelon.

This strawberry almond salad brings a fresh spring flavor to your Easter brunch menu. For more dishes to round out the meal, see my Easter Recipes Roundup.

FAQ's

Can I make the caramelized almonds ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The caramelized almonds can be made a day or two in advance. Once completely cooled and hardened, store them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.

What types of greens work best for this salad?

Crisp greens like romaine lettuce, spring mix, butter lettuce, or even a blend with some spinach work beautifully in this strawberry almond salad. Choose your favorite, ensuring it's fresh and well-dried.

What's the difference between pure maple syrup and pancake syrup for the vinaigrette?

Pure maple syrup is a natural product made from maple tree sap, offering a distinct flavor and a lower glycemic index. Pancake syrup is typically made from corn syrup with artificial flavors. Pure maple syrup is essential for the desired taste and texture of this vinaigrette, and pancake syrup will not work as a substitute.

Can I use other nuts besides almonds in this salad?

Absolutely! While slivered almonds are traditional, you can easily customize the salad by using other nuts like pistachios, cashews, or even pecans. Each will add a unique flavor dimension to the recipe.

How long does the strawberry almond salad dressing last?

The vinaigrette, without the fresh fruit, can be stored in an airtight container or cruet in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Shake or whisk well before serving to re-emulsify the ingredients.